The problem

The extension offices in central Kentucky have provided local and regional lenders, updates on farm income and outlook to help them as they work with producers looking to borrow money for the purchase of capitol improvements or operating money for  the year.  Lenders in Eastern Kentucky have not had access to that same information.  Lenders in the eastern portion of Kentucky have been in need of economic updates to help them as they work with our farmers  and the particular needs in the eastern portion of Kentucky.  Understanding ag trends and outlooks can help lenders understand what a farmer is needing in a particular enterprise and helps the lender to talk to the farmer as they determine profitability and repayment potential.

The educational program response

County extension offices in the district heard from our local lenders and their need to learn what trends are happening in agriculture.  Lenders need to know pricing forecasts in order to better serve their farmer borrowers.  The Bath County agent had worked in central Kentucky to develop the ag lender program there and then worked with agents in the eastern region to present a program here that was tailored to the type of ag production and ag needs that we find in our area of the state.  Ag Economics specialists and agents developed the program and the specialists made the presentations that centered on various enterprises that are prevalent in our region of the state.

The participants/target audience

Local and area ag lenders, Farm Service Agency personnel

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.

The program was very well attended, especially for the first time presenting it. More than 20 ag lenders took part in the program.  Written evaluations were collected from the participants with 100% indicating that they were satisfied with the presentations and that the knowledge gained will help them as they work with their clientele.  The location was marked as excellent and there were several suggestions for topics included that agents will take under advisement as we plan next years program.